India Violating Border Protocols with Push-Ins, Says Bangladesh Foreign Adviser

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, has accused India of disregarding established protocols by pushing approximately 2,000 people across the border into Bangladesh since May without following due process. Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, Hossain described the push-ins as a "clear violation of the rules," emphasizing that a prescribed process exists between the two nations for identifying and repatriating citizens through an exchange of lists.

Hossain also condemned the killing of individuals along the border by the Indian Border Security Force, calling it "illegal" and asserting that those responsible should face trial under Indian law. He refuted claims that Bangladesh’s interim government has softened its stance on these incidents, stating, “Not at all.” He noted that Bangladesh has consistently protested such actions and will continue to do so.

In a positive development, India recently repatriated several of its citizens through the agreed-upon arrangement, and Hossain urged India to adhere to this procedure moving forward. “This is our expectation,” he said.

On a separate issue, Hossain addressed the recent arrest of Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia over alleged links to militancy. He revealed that two additional individuals have been detained, with indications that more arrests may follow as Malaysian authorities investigate potential involvement in radical militant groups. Bangladesh has pledged full cooperation with Malaysia’s terror investigation. “If proven guilty under their law, they could face two to seven years in prison. If acquitted, that’s fine,” Hossain stated.

During the same event, Hossain inaugurated a month-long photography and graffiti exhibition at the Foreign Service Academy, reflecting on the July movement in Bangladesh. He described it as a historic people’s movement that united individuals across classes and professions in a fight for justice and human rights, transcending partisan divides. “The history of the July movement will serve as a mirror for future leaders, reminding them of the distinctions between justice and injustice,” he said.